Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić has once again emerged as the top player after the NBA announced the first set of winners for its monthly awards.
Jokić was recognized as the Western Conference Player of the Month for October and November, while Cade Cunningham received the honor in the Eastern Conference.
NBA Fans React to Nikola Jokic’s Player of the Month Award
With the abundance of talent in the league, awards like these are always subject to debate. Fans are never shy about vocalizing who they think deserves the award or why the current winner is the rightful one.
This was the case for Jokić, as some fans argued that another player was more deserving of the Player of the Month distinction. In particular, several believed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder should have been selected for the honor.
“Shai robbed,” one fan commented.
Shai robbed
— Tyler Beets (@TylerBeets1) December 2, 2025
“No way it’s not SGA?” one fan asked.
No way it’s not SGA?
— Lakers Hoops (15-5) (4-0🏆) (@HoopLakers) December 2, 2025
“By all advanced metrics Shai had the best first month of the season of all time, with his team being 20-1. But give it it PRA man. Im sure,” another fan said.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić and Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham have been named the Kia NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Month, respectively, for games played in October/November. pic.twitter.com/3vPczBBYGu
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 2, 2025
Meanwhile, some fans agreed that Jokic was deserving of the award.
“Either Shai or Jokic, well deserved.. Cade is on another level right now, clear choice for this month,” one said.
5 games of Jacoby Brissett: 1,570 yards, 10 TD 3 INT 7.4 YPA 99 Passer Rating
5 games of Kyler Murray: 962 yards, 6 TD 3 INT 6.0 YPA 88.6 Passer Rating pic.twitter.com/7MxwmLuBEm
— Goldschmidt Happened (@GoldyHappens) November 17, 2025
“Jokic player of the decade tbh, but we’ll take this,” another said.
Jokic player of the decade tbh, but we’ll take this 👍
— Antonio (@ayyrod_) December 2, 2025
“That’s an MVP we can count on,” another added.
That’s an MVP we can count on. pic.twitter.com/47NjdiF0B7
— NBA THE RUN (@NBATHERUN) December 2, 2025
Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander have played 19 and 21 games, respectively, through October and November.
During that span, Jokić averaged a triple-double with 28.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 10.9 assists. He’s also shot the ball well with splits of 63.7/45.3/85.2 percent. His team went 14-5 during this stretch.
Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 32.5 points with shooting splits of 54.5/41.1/88.7 percent. He also contributed 4.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Under his leadership, the Thunder achieved a league-best 20-1 record in October and November.
Debates that pit Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander against each other aren’t new to fans. Last season, they were finalists for MVP, with the award eventually going to the Thunder guard.
If they both continue these strong performances throughout the 2025-26 campaign, fans can expect they’ll once again be in that mix.